Manitou Backpack Campsite #21

Introduction / Overview: Your Rustic Retreat on the North Shore

For Minnesota's dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, the North Shore of Lake Superior represents the pinnacle of wilderness adventure. Nestled within the rugged beauty of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, Manitou Backpack Campsite #21 offers a prime example of the park’s commitment to providing a genuine, hike-in backcountry experience. This park is intentionally different, foregoing traditional drive-in campgrounds for a network of 21 rustic backpack sites, all accessible only on foot. Site #21 is one of the more accessible sites, located in the Benson Lake area, and is an excellent choice for local campers seeking a true escape without an exhaustive multi-mile trek.

The site is specifically designed for small-group, low-impact tent camping. The surrounding park is known for its incredibly hilly and challenging terrain, deep river gorges, and stunning cascades on the Manitou River. Campsite #21, however, is situated closer to the trailhead, making it a favorite for those breaking into backpacking or families looking for a less arduous haul of gear. It strikes a desirable balance: enough distance from the parking lot to feel fully immersed in nature, yet close enough for convenience. This seclusion, combined with the site’s designated facilities, allows Minnesota residents to experience the remote feel of the Superior National Forest region while adhering to essential "Leave No Trace" principles.

Location and Accessibility: Easy Trek to Seclusion

Campsite #21 is situated within the Benson Lake section of the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, which lies near Finland, Minnesota, off the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior.

The general address for the area, which is required for navigation to the park entrance and parking lot, is: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA.

Accessibility is one of the greatest features of this particular site. It is located approximately 0.75 miles from the main parking lot, making the hike manageable even with fully-loaded backpacks. The trail primarily utilizes a convenient boardwalk over some of the terrain, which helps ease the footing. While the park is notorious for its rugged, challenging trails—especially those leading to the Manitou River—Site #21 is on one of the simpler routes. However, note that the final approach to this site and its neighbors (Sites #20 and #22) involves a somewhat steep, yet non-rocky climb, featuring wood steps and dirt switchbacks, rewarding campers with an elevated and secluded space. It’s also crucial to know that the campsite is nestled slightly between its neighbors, requiring a short walk through the edge of an adjacent site’s area to reach it, though adequate privacy is maintained once there. All campers must display a valid Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit.

Services Offered (Backpacking Sites)

The services provided at Manitou Backpack Campsite #21 are primitive and rustic, consistent with a true backcountry experience, but thoughtfully placed for convenience.

• Tent Pads: The site features at least two level, cleared areas specifically maintained for small tent setup, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Food Storage: A heavy-duty, wildlife-proof bear box is provided on-site for the secure storage of all food, toiletries, and scented items, which is critical in this black bear habitat.
• Fire Pit: An upgraded metal fire pit with a moveable grate is included, designated for campfires. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted in the camping areas for small campfires.
• Seating: A simple, wooden bench and a reclining chair are available, offering comfortable, designated spots for sitting and cooking.
• Water Source: While there is no running water at the campsite, the nearby Benson Lake or its connecting creeks serve as the water source. All water from natural sources must be treated or boiled before consumption.
• Sanitation: Primitive field latrines (outhouses) are located near the campsites, minimizing environmental impact.

Features / Highlights: Shade, Setup, and Serenity

Campsite #21 offers specific advantages that make it a highly desirable spot among the park’s 21 sites, particularly for Minnesotans seeking proximity to the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) corridor and Benson Lake.

• Shaded and Secluded: Located in the shade, the campsite provides a cool and comfortable retreat, a welcome feature during warm Minnesota summers. It is well-hidden and provides good privacy, ensuring a tranquil experience.
• Walkability: The minimal 0.75-mile distance is a major highlight, making it one of the easiest backpack sites to access in this famously rugged park. This makes it suitable for shorter trips, first-time backpackers, or those arriving later in the day.
• Superior Trail Access: The site offers easy access to the park's network of over 24 miles of rugged trails, including the sections that connect to the famed Superior Hiking Trail (SHT).
• Benson Lake Access: Campsite #21 is located near the beautiful, non-motorized Benson Lake, which is stocked with trout and offers excellent opportunities for quiet paddling or fishing (license and stamp required).
• Quality Amenities: The presence of a sturdy bear box and an upgraded fire pit demonstrates the park's investment in visitor safety and comfort, enhancing the rustic camping experience.

Contact Information

As a remote backpack site, contact is managed through the central State Park administration, typically Tettegouche State Park or the Minnesota DNR.

Address: Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA (General Park Area)

Reservations: Reservations for all George H. Crosby Manitou backpack sites are mandatory and should be made through the Minnesota DNR State Park reservation system.

Phone: For general park information, contact the Minnesota DNR Information Center or the staff at nearby Tettegouche State Park.

What is Worth Choosing: The Perfect Entry to Backcountry Camping

Manitou Backpack Campsite #21 is an exceptional choice for Minnesotans and North Shore visitors seeking the feeling of remote wilderness without the commitment of an extreme trek. It’s worth choosing because it brilliantly minimizes the logistical difficulty of backcountry camping while maximizing the authentic wilderness experience.

For first-time backpackers or families with younger children, the 0.75-mile distance, primarily on boardwalk, provides a gentle introduction to carrying a pack and setting up a remote camp. You get to enjoy the quiet solitude of the forest without the day-long effort of reaching the deeper river sites.

The excellent, well-maintained setup—especially the shaded location, dual tent pads, and secure bear box—means you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the environment, whether it's fishing on Benson Lake or hiking the challenging trails that the rest of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park offers.

The site serves as a fantastic base camp from which to explore the magnificent waterfalls of the Manitou River gorge and the connecting portions of the Superior Hiking Trail. You can drop your heavy pack quickly and spend your days adventuring with just a day pack.

Campsite #21 provides a genuine, accessible slice of Minnesota’s rugged Northwoods, ensuring a comfortable and memorable immersion in one of the state’s most pristine state parks. Remember to reserve well in advance, pack light, and always practice Leave No Trace ethics to preserve this cherished state treasure.